Rick Scott talks John Delaney leaving UNF, Lenny Curry as CFO

Despite a persistent narrative in Jacksonville political circles that Gov. Rick Scott wanted John Delaney gone from the University of North Florida, and wants Lenny Curry to replace Jeff Atwater as CFO, neither narrative got any traction from Scott’s remarks Wednesday to this outlet in Orange Park.

When asked about Delaney, Scott managed to avoid mentioning the longtime UNF President by name.

“My job is to focus on the entire state, and I have a good Board of Governors and trustees at all these universities,” Scott said.

“I think our presidents are working hard,” Scott continued. “U.S. News and World Report just came out and said that we’re the number one state for higher education, so I’m appreciative of all of them.”

When asked directly if he had any issue with Delaney, the governor said no, throwing cold water on that narrative.

Delaney adamantly denied this narrative, including an affirmative statement this week that the trustees wanted him to renew his contract.

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Political friends and enemies that might want to see Lenny Curry gone from the Jacksonville mayor’s office might want to reassess also, in light of less than specific comments from the governor.

“I’m going to pick the right person,” Scott said. “Lenny’s been a good friend and a good mayor. I don’t think CFO Atwater’s even leaving until the end of session.”

In other words: while Curry is not out of the running, there’s no rush for the mayor to look for a house in Tallahassee.

Unlike the Delaney story, the Curry story will continue to develop, in a speculative way, until the governor officially chooses an interim CFO to replace Atwater.